Whether you are interested in planting a pocket pollinator garden in your yard, looking to convert part of your land to prairie, managing your woodland, or just interested in natural resources conservation efforts and initiatives, our partners are interested in working with you to help protect and restore our natural resources! Check our events calendar for upcoming learning opportunities and see what resources are available below (we have separate resource pages for farmers and shoreline owners as well).
Please contact water resources educator Barbara Heitkamp if you are interested in having her provide a presentation for your organization or having her participate in a community event.
Yard and Garden Resources
Enhance the beauty of your surroundings while actively contributing to the preservation of our water resources through planting native plants and raingardens. Visit the Plant for Clean Water resources page hosted by the East Metro Water Resources Education Program. Contact your local Watershed District or Soil and Water Conservation District to inquire about available technical assistance and potential cost-share for your next project.
Adopt a storm drain program
Storm drains serve as direct pathways to our lakes rivers, and streams, and natural materials (grass clippings, leaves, and dirt) can act as pollutants once they go down the drain. If you live in an area with storm drains, you can join a statewide effort to help keep our storm drains clean through the Adopt a Drain program.
rain barrels and compost bins
The Recycling Association of Minnesota partners annually with local government partners across the state to host a rain barrel and compost bin sale to encourage residents to reduce food waste and minimize stormwater runoff. Check your local county website every spring for their promotion!
Resources for Prairie and Woodland Landowners
Looking to convert part of your land to prairie or restore your woodland? Following are a number of resources/programs available to you. Contact your local Watershed District or Soil and Water Conservation District to inquire about available technical assistance and potential cost-share for your next project.
Prairie
Learn more about prairies, visit prairies on public lands, and restoration.
Are you considering converting your land to prairie? The following three programs may help you get started (download a summary flyer)
EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) - through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Continuous CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) - through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the NRCS
CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program) - through the NRCS
forests/woodlands
My St. Croix Woods is a public/private partnership of organizations working together in Minnesota and Wisconsin to serve woodland owners in the St. Croix watershed. Connect with expert services, resources, and advice to acheive your woodland management goals.